With the recommendation of the Secretary of Defense and the order of the President, the Department of Defense is now moving to make the U.S. Cyber Command a unified combatant command.
The process is more symbolic than anything, but it will cause reorganization in how the department approaches its cyberspace operations. The elevation of the Cyber Command is meant to demonstrate the critical nature of cyber operations to present U.S. defense initiatives and launch a longer term dedication to them as part of the larger U.S. military apparatus. In essence, it’s working to demonstrate modernization of U.S. war efforts, at a time when the world is facing increasing cyber attacks of increasingly more damaging capability.
“This new Unified Combatant Command will strengthen our cyberspace operations and create more opportunities to improve our Nation’s defense,” President Donald Trump said in a statement. “The elevation of United States Cyber Command demonstrates our increased resolve against cyberspace threats.”
U.S. Cyber Command was first established only eight years ago. Since then, it has been a part of the National Security Agency and operating as a sub-unified command answerable to U.S. Strategic Command. On its own, now, Cyber Command will have a greater voice and capability within its department. Cyber Command is responsible for maintaining the military’s network and coordinating digital offensive and defensive operations therein.